Steatite and Cordierite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.80
  
2.57-2.66
  
Fracture
Not Available
  
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
Not Available
  
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
Mohs Hardness
Not Available
  
7-7.5
  
Chemical Composition
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
  
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
Steatite and Cordierite Chemical Formula
While comparing Steatite and Cordierite physical properties, the important data you should know is its chemical composition. Since chemical formula defines the molecular structure of the crystal, most of the physical properties like color, tenacity, solubility are governed by Steatite and Cordierite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Steatite and Cordierite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Cordierite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Cordierite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 2.57-2.66 whereas that of Cordierite is 2.57-2.66.